The project for four-laning of Goa/Karnataka border to Kundapur section of NH-17 in Karnataka is near completion.

In a series of tweets, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has informed that presently about 173 km (92.42 per cent of the total work is completed) and while traffic is open on the project, the remaining work will be completed by December 2022.

The minister said the government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively working towards building world-class infrastructure across the country, and leading New India towards an era of 'prosperity through connectivity'.

Gadkari said spanning a length of about 187 km, this stretch has Arabian Sea coast on one side and Western Ghats on the other side. He said due to its scenic view, this project is an important coastal highway link between west and south India.

The Minister said the strategic highway passes through a variety of terrains with almost 50 per cent of the length passing through rolling terrain (45 km) and mountainous terrain (24 km).

Aimed at providing a world-class road infrastructure experience to travellers, the alignment connects major cities and towns along the way including Panvel, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Panaji, Margao, Karwar, Udupi, Surathkal, Mangaluru, Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari, he added.

Gadkari said this highway development has helped in providing a new impetus to economic development in the project influence area with multifold opportunities for new commercial and industrial establishments.

He said this has led to creation of direct and indirect jobs for the local population. Further, the project will reduce travel time, prevent accidents, optimise vehicle operating costs and help in fuel savings due to smoother roads and reduce congestion for inter and intra state commuters, he said.